U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) released a transition website on Tuesday, staffing her administration after she was elected Tennessee’s 51st governor.
The website, which says it is funded by the Blackburn Transition Committee, announces that Blackburn is accepting applications to “help build Tennessee’s future.” It states that the governor-elect is seeking “talented, experienced, and dedicated individuals who are committed to serving the people of Tennessee and making our state America’s Conservative leader.”
It also states that Blackburn’s administration welcomes applicants from “across Tennessee and beyond who bring a strong record of professional achievement, leadership, innovative thinking, and a commitment to effective, accountable government.”
Blackburn is also encouraging individuals without significant government experience to apply, as the website states both “years of public-sector experience or specialized expertise from the private sector” could be valuable to her administration.
The governor-elect on Tuesday also announced that Michael Hendrix will serve as her chief of staff in a post to X, the current policy director for Governor Bill Lee, who Blackburn said “brings a depth of experience that will be important to our team as we move forward.”
Building an administration that reflects the priorities of Tennesseans starts with having the right people in key leadership positions.@michael_hendrix understands the policy challenges and opportunities facing our state. He brings a depth of experience that will be important… pic.twitter.com/2dH3dGZ29O
— Marsha Blackburn (@VoteMarsha) November 10, 2026
Blackburn also announced the advisory committee for the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services (DCS), a new committee she said would evaluate the agency, identify problems, and recommend changes.
The advisory committee will be led by Jim Henry, who led Tennessee’s DCS under former Governor Bill Haslam when the department was established in 2013. Henry later served as Haslam’s chief of staff in 2015.
Other members of the advisory committee include Cameron Smith, Cleo Griffin, and Maggie McNally Kimball, who is the daughter of retiring Lieutenant Governor Randy McNally.
Today, I'm pleased to announce my administration's Advisory Committee for the Department of Children’s Services.
The Department of Children’s Services plays an important role in protecting some of Tennessee’s most vulnerable children, and we have a responsibility to ensure the… pic.twitter.com/DYzp7TFoiu
— Marsha Blackburn (@VoteMarsha) November 10, 2026
Last week, Blackburn selected Deputy Governor Stuart McWhorter to serve as the chairman of her gubernatorial transition and said he will be joined by a series of campaign veterans and longtime political advisers.
She also announced a transition advisory committee that will include her former chief of staff in the U.S. Senate, a former chief of staff to Lee, and a former Tennessee state legislator.
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Tom Pappert is a 2025 recipient of the Dao Prize and the lead reporter for The Tennessee Star. He also reports for the Star News Network. Follow Tom on X. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “Marsha Blackburn” by Marsha Blackburn.Â
